The document discusses the rise of the sharing economy. It argues that economic challenges like unemployment, debt, and scarce resources are driving the growth of collaborative consumption models enabled by new networking technologies. These models allow underutilized assets and skills to be monetized, creating new opportunities for both individuals and businesses. The sharing economy empowers people in developing economies and removes physical boundaries to access global markets. While incumbent industries resist disruption to their business models, the networking and deflationary effects of Internet technologies will ensure the sharing economy continues to expand rapidly.